The Animal Behaviour and Training Council

Article from The Vet Index - Volume 3 - Issue 1

Animal Behaviour and Training Council

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (www.abtcouncil.org.uk) was started in 2010 when some of the more influential organisations involved in animal welfare, training and behaviour came together to discuss the formalisation of standards and how to implement them. Since then the Council has become established as the most widely supported regulatory authority with nineteen high profile organisations as members including the veterinary profession and many of the largest animal welfare charities along with more presently going through the rigorous application process. The Council is referenced in a Defra guidance manual as the place to find qualified trainers and behaviourists, is now a registered charity and has recently contributed to a European project to produce a standard for dog trainer competences. Their central aim is to safeguard the psychological welfare of animals undergoing training or behaviour therapy and is the only UK charity focussing on this aspect of animal welfare.